2008-09-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

So how does it all work?

First, we agree a date. This can take a little time as we will try to organise Orlando's schedule so there is not too much travelling between concerts. The 2013 schedule already taking shape so do please get in touch as soon as possible so we can try to fit you in.

Once we've fixed the date, we can send you information and ideas on how to fill the church and make the evening a success. You can get in touch at any time if you have a question and we will liase as the date approaches.

On the day Orlando will arrive with everything he needs. It is very simple and can be very informal, as Orlando introduces the music and the cello.

When could we plan the concert?

Orlando gives recitals between May and September, when the churches are warmer, but we will consider dates outside these months.

How easy is it to sell tickets to the concerts?

All of the concerts so far have been to good audiences of up to 170 people. Ticket prices have usually been between £10 and £15, sometimes with concessions or free tickets for young people, as introducing young people to classical music is just as important as keeping our wonderful churches alive.

How long will the concert be?

The concert can be a normal evening recital length, consisting of 2 Suites, an interval and then 1 Suite. We suggest an 8pm start, giving people time to eat beforehand, or a 6.30 start so that people can have supper parties afterwards.

Or you can opt for a shorter concert, maybe at 6pm, where Orlando plays 2 Suites. That way you can offer aperitifs and nibbles, and people can then eat after the concert. On a Sundays an 11am or 4pm start works well.

It would also be possible to play all six suites in one day in two concerts split between afternoon and evening or early and late evening with a dinner break in between.

You can of course also opt for the usual start time of 7.30pm.

Can I request particular music?

Of course. Alternatively Orlando will suggest a selection which will make a varied and characterful concert.

There are some wonderful romantic and dramatic solo cello pieces to contrast the Bach and Orlando is very happy to collaborate with other musicians if necessary although so far all of the concerts have been just solo cello for simplicity.

How can Orlando afford to undertake the concerts?

We ask that you cover travel expenses at 20p per mile from Orlando's home in south London. Usually these have been shared between churches. We also ask you to kindly provide a meal before the concert, and, if the concert is a long way from London, a bed for the night as well.

Two wonderful organisations, the Tanner Trust and the Pimlott Foundation, have enabled Orlando to make a recording of the Suites. From 2012, Orlando will be able to perform for no fee, relying on the proceeds of CDs sold at the end of each recital. We would ask you please to try to find a generous local music-lover to underwrite this to a certain extent; as a guideline £250 is 1/3 of his normal fee of £750, and will secure the date from the competing pressures on his diary. It will also go some way towards his preparation time and the cost of keeping and insuring the cello. It means that every pound you raise by selling tickets will go towards the church restoration fund, and if twenty people buy the recording at £15 per double CD, the person underwriting the concert will not have to pay anything.

Alternatively, if someone were to generously donate £250 to cover Orlando's preparation time, plus whatever the travel expenses might be, then all of the takings of the CDs sales as well as the ticket money can go towards the church fund.

If you have any other questions, please get in touch by emailing info@cellopilgrimage.co.uk or phone us on 020 8291 6005. We can put you in contact with those who have organised concerts if you feel that would be helpful.

We hope you will take Orlando up on his offer and look forward to meeting you.

Alice Grattan
Cello pilgrimage

Cello Pilgrimage Information Page